Pakistan government has approved the deployment of the army for six months in Rawalpindi at the request of Punjab's home department for "sensitive security duties".

"The federal government, exercising the powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution of Pakistan, is pleased to authorise the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army for sensitive security duties in Rawalpindi," according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control on Friday.

It said that the decision was taken "to avoid any undesirable situation as well as to respond effectively in any unforeseen situation as per the requirement of the district administration".

Article 245 of the Constitution pertains to the deployment of armed forces in aid of civil power.